Llibre Vermell de Montserrat ("Red Book of Montserrat") Pilgrim Songs to Our Lady of Montserrat.
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"Because the pilgrims wish to sing ... while they keep their watch at night in the church of the Blessed Mary of Montserrat, and also in the light of day; and in the church no songs should be sung unless they are chaste and pious, for that reason these songs that appear here have been written. And these should be used modestly, and take care that no one who keeps watch in prayer and contemplation is disturbed."
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The ten songs in the collection that survive are:
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Song: O Virgo Splendens (fol. 21−v22) ("O Splendid Virgin")
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Virelai/danse: Stella Splendens (fol. 22r) ("Splendid Star")
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Song: Laudemus Virginem (fol. 23) ("Let us praise the Virgin")
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Song: Splendens Ceptigera (fol. 23) ("Splendid ruler")
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Virelai: Mariam, Matrem Virginem, Attolite (fol. 25r) ("Praise Mary, the virgin mother")
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Virelai/danse: Polorum Regina (fol. 24v) ("Queen of the Poles")
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Virelai: Cuncti Simus Concanentes (fol. 24) ("Let us sing together")
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Ballad/danse: Los Set Gotxs (fol. 23v) ("The seven joys")
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Motet: Imperayritz de la ciutat joyosa / Verges ses par misericordiosa (fol. 25v) ("Empress of the happy city" / "Virgin, out of mercy")
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Virelai: Ad Mortem Festinamus (fol. 26v) ("We hasten towards death")
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O Virgo splendens.
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O Virgo splendens, hic in monte celso
Miraculis serrato fulgentibus ubique,
Quem fideles conscendunt universi.
Eia pietatis oculo placato
Cerne ligatus fune peccatorum
Ne infernorum ictibus graventur
Sed cum beatis tua prece vocentur.
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O Virgin resplendent
O Virgin resplendent here on the lofty mountain,
jagged with its shining miracles about,
which all the faithful climb.
Ah, with an eye of mercy
see those bound by the bonds of sin,
let them not be weighed down by the blows of Hell
but be called by thy prayers to be with the blessed.
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Stella splendens.
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Stella splendens in monte ut solis radium
miraculis serrato exaudi populum.
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Concurrunt universi gaudentes populi
divites et egeni grandes et parvuli
ipsum ingrediuntur ut cernunt oculi
et inde revertuntur gracijis repleti.
Stella splendens...
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Principes et magnates extirpe regia
saeculi potestates obtenta venia
peccaminum proclamant tundentes pectora
poplite flexo clamant hic: Ave Maria.
Stella splendens...
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Coetus hic aggregantur hic ut exhibeant
vota regratiantur ut ipsa et reddant
aulam istam ditantes hoc cuncti videant
jocalibus ornantes soluti redeant.
Stella splendens...
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Radiant star on the mountain, like a miraculous sunbeam,
hear the divided people.
All joyous people come together:
rich and poor, young and old,
climb the mountain to see with their own eyes,
and return from it filled with grace.
Radiant star…
Rulers and magnates of royal stripes,
the mighty of the world, possessing grace,
proclaim their sins, beating their breast,
and call on bended knee: Ave Maria.
Radiant star…
All these groups assemble here to present themselves,
To remember their vows and keep them as well
By enriching this temple, adorning it with jewels
So that all may see and return in joy, partaking of salvation.
Radiant star…
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Laudemus virginem.
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Laudemus virginem mater est
Et eius filius Ihesus est.
Plangamus scelera acriter
Sperantes in Ihesum iugiter.
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Let us praise the virgin Mother
and her Son Jesus.
Let us steadfastly mourn our sins,
constantly hoping in Jesus.
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Splendens ceptigera.
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Splendens ceptigera
Nostri sis advocata
Virgo puerpera,
Tudentes pectora
Crimina confitentes
Simus altissimo.
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Shining sovereign,
Be our advocate,
Virgin Mother,
Beating our breast
Confessing our guilt
Let us be in the highest (heaven).
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Los set goytxs recomptarem
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Los set goytxs recomptarem et devotament xantant
humilment saludarem la dolça verge Maria.
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R:
Ave Maria gracia plena
Dominus tecum Virgo serena.
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Verge fos abans del part
pura e sens falliment
en lo part e prés lo part
sens negun corrumpiment.
Lo Fill de Déus Verge pia
de vós nasque verament.
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Verge tres reys d'Orient cavalcant amb gran corage
al l'estrella precedent vengren al vostré bitage.
Offerint vos de gradatge Aur et mirre et encenç.
Verge estant dolorosa per la mort del Fill molt car
romangues tota joyosa can lo vis resuscitar.
A vos madre piadosa prima se volch demostrar.
Verge lo quint alegratge que'n agues del fill molt car
estant al munt d'olivatge Al cell l'on vehes puyar.
On aurem tots alegratge Si per nos vos plau pregar.
Verge quan foren complitz los dies de pentecosta
Ab vos eren aunits los apostols et de costa.
Sobre tots sens nuylla costa devallà l'espirit sant.
Verge'l derrer alegratge que'n agues en aquest mon
vostre Fill ab coratge vos munta al cel pregon.
On sots tots temps coronada regina perpetual.
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We tell you of the 7 joys and sing with devotion,
humbly greeting the sweet Virgin Mary.
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Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord may be with thee, serene Virgin.
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Virgin, before thy labour thou wert pure and faultless, from thy labour and after it thou remainedst uncorrupted; The Son of God was truly born of thee, pious Virgin.
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Virgin, three Kings from the Orient, riding with great courage, following the star, they arrived at thy house. They offered thee - one after the other - gold and myrrh and incense.
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Virgin, being grieved by the death of thy beloved Son, thou art now full of joy, having seen Him revive.
He wanted to appear first to thee, merciful mother.
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Virgin, the fifth joy that yhou receivedst from thy beloved Son happened when, on Mount Olive, thou sawest Him ascend to Heaven. We will be full of joy if thou prayest for us.
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Virgin, after the days of Pentecost, the apostles and the others were united by thee.
Above all came the Holy Spirit.
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Virgin, the last joy thou hadst is not found here; thy Son takest thee to heaven with great courage, where thou wilt remain crowned for all time, perpetual queen.
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Cuncti simus concanentes.
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Cuncti simus concanentes : Ave Maria.
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Virgo sola existente en affuit angelus,
Gabriel est appellatus atque missus celitus
Clara facieque dixit : Ave Maria.
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Clara facieque dixit : audite karissimi.
En concipies Maria, Ave Maria.
En concipies Maria : audite karissimi.
Pariesque Filium : Ave Maria.
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Pariesque Filium : audite karissimi.
Vocabis eum Jhesum : Ave Maria.
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Let us all sing together: Hail Mary.
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When the Virgin was alone, lo, an angel appeared,
Gabriel was his name and he was sent from Heaven.
With a shining face he said: Hail Mary.
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With a shining face he said (listen my dear ones):
Thou wilt conceive, Mary.
Thou wilt bear a son.
Thou wilt call Him Jesus. Hail Mary.
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Polorum regina.
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Polorum regina omnium nostra
Stella matutina dele scelera
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Ante partum virgo deo gravida.
Semper permansisti inviolata
Stella matutina dele scelera
Et in partu virgo deo fecunda.
Semper permansisti inviolata
Stella matutina dele scelera
Et post partum virgo mater enixa.
Semper permansisti inviolata
Stella matutina dele scelera.
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Our queen encompassing all of heaven,
morning star, take away our sins.
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Before birth, Virgin, pregnant by God,
thou remainedst always inviolate.
And in labour, Virgin, fertile by God,
thou remainedst always inviolate.
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And after birth, Virgin, child-bearing mother
thou remainedst always inviolate.
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Mariam Matrem Virginem
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Mariam Matrem Virginem attolite Ihesum Christum extollite
concorditer.
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Maria seculi asilum defende nos. Ihesu tutum refugium exaudi
nos.
Iam estis nos totaliter diffugium totum mundi confugium
realiter.
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Ihesu suprema bonitas verissima. Maria dulcis pietas
gratissima.
Amplissima conformiter sit caritas ad nos quos pellit
vanitas enormiter.
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Maria facta saeculis salvatio. Ihesu damnati hominis
redemptio.
Pugnare quem viriliter per famulis percussus duris iaculis
atrociter.
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Mary, the Virgin Mother,
exalt her,
and extol Jesus Christ,
concordantly.
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Mary, asylum for the world,
defend us.
Jesus, total refuge,
hear us.
Thou art, while we are totally
dispersed,
a complete safe haven from the world
truly.
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Jesus, supreme goodness,
Full of truth,
Mary, sweet mercy
Full of grace,
May similarly superabound
Thy love
Towards us who the vanity of life strikes
Enormously.
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Mary, humble virgin,
we honour thee.
Desirable Jesus,
we long for Thee.
And mentally we want
in heaven
to delight with the holy angels
eternally.
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Jesus, Who for sinners,
Didst suffer,
Mary, stand for [us] all
as thou art a mother,
Because insecure is our
existence
therefore we beg for help,
weeping.
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Mary, used to procure for generations
Salvation.
Jesus, for damned mankind
redemption.
Fight as ardently
for thy servants,
as they are being struck hard
atrociously.
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Imperaytritz de la ciutat joyosa.
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discantus :
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1. Imperaytritz de la ciutat joyosa
de paradis amb tot gaug eternal
neta de crims de virtutz habundosa
mayre de Déu per obra divinal
verges plasent amb fas angelical
axi com sotz a Déu molt graciosa
plaçaus estar als fidels piadosa
preyan per lor al rey celestial.
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2. Rosa flagran de vera benenança
fons de mercè jamays no defallent
palays d’onor on se fech l’aliança
de deu e d’hom per nostre salvament
e fo ver Déus es hom perfetament
sens defallir en alcuna substança
e segons hom morí sens dubtança
e com ves Déus llevech del moniment.
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3. Flor de les flors dolça clement et pia
l’angel de Déu vesem tot corroçat
e par que Déus lamandat qu’ens alcia
don elles prest amb l’estoch affilat.
Dons plaça avos que’l sia comandat
qu’estoyg l’estoch e que remès nos sia
tot falliment tro en lo presen dia
ens done gaug e patz e sanitat.
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tenor :
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1. Verges sens par misericordiosa
de vos se tany quens defentas de mal
é no siats devas nos endenyosa
pels fallimentz que fem en general.
Mas quens cubratz amb lo manto real
de pietat pus quen etz cupiosa
car totz som faytz d’avol pasta fangosa
per que’l fallir es de carn humanal.
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2. Vexell de patz corona d’esperança
port de salut bé segur de tot vent
vos merexets de tenir la balança
on es pesat bé dreyturerament.
E pesa mays vostre fill excellent
mort en la crotz per nostra deliurança
quels peccats d’om en fayt nen cobejança
al be fidel confes e penident.
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3. Estel de mar qui los perillans guia
e’ls fay venir a bona salvetat
si Jesu Christ obesir no volia
ço que per vos li sera supplicat
mostratzli els pitz don l’avetz alletat
et totz los santz amb la gran jerarchia
de paradis qui us faran companya
tot quan volretz vos es ben autreyat.
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Empress of the joyous city of paradise, eternally happy, purified of sin, abounding in virtues, Mother of God, by divine order; pleasing Virgin with angelic face, because thou art so gracious for God,
be pityful with the faithful, pious one, praying for them to the celestial king.
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Fragrant rose of true goodness, source of virtues which never failed, palace of honour, where the alliance was made, between God and man, to save us. Who saw God become a perfect Man without any failing, and - according to man - died without any doubt and rose from the tomb as the true God .
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Flower of flowers, sweet, merciful and pious, we see the grim angel of God, and because God sent him to punish, he is ready for it, with raised sword.Let it be thy will that he is ordered not to raise the sword, and that our failings may be forgiven to the present day, and that we may receive joy, peace and health.
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Virgin out of mercy, trusted by those who are to be defended from evil.
And be not enraged by the failures which we always commit, but give us shelter under thy royal coat of mercy, because who is abounding in virtues can improve ordinary mud, since failure is of human flesh.
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Vessel of peace, Crown of hope, Port of health, certain for all, thou meritest to hold the scale on which virtue is weighed, and thy excellent son, Who died on the Cross for our deliverance, weighs more than the sins commited amongst those, who confess and do penance.
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Star of the sea, who guides us through perils, so that we can safely reach the harbour, if Jesus Christ does not wish to obey what is requested through thee, show Him the breasts that suckled Him, and all the saints from the great hierarchy of paradise who are with thee: Everything thou wishest will be granted, and more.
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Ad mortem festinamus.
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R. Ad mortem festinamus peccare desistamus.
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Scribere proposui de contemptu mundano,
ut degentes seculi non mulcentur in vano.
Iam est hora surgere a sompno mortis pravo.
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Vita brevis breviter, in brevi finietur,
mors venit velociter quae neminem veretur.
Omnia mors perimit et nulli miseretur.
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Ni conversus fueris et sicut puer factus,
et vitam mutaveris in meliores actus,
intrare non poteris regnum Dei beatus.
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Tuba cum sonuerit dies erit extrema
et judex advenerit, vocabit sempiterna
electos in patria prescitos ad inferna.
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Quam felices fuerint qui cum Christo regnabunt,
facie ad faciem sic eum adspectabunt,
Sanctus, Sanctus Dominus Sabaoth conclamabunt.
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Et quam tristes fuerint qui eterne peribunt,
pene non deficient nec propter has obibunt:
Heu, heu miseri numquam inde exibunt.
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Cuncti reges seculi et in mundo magnates
advertant et clarici omnesque postestates
fiant velut parvuli dimitant vanitates.
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Heu, fratres karissimi, si digne contemplemus
passionem Domini, amare et si flemus,
ut pupillam oculi servabit ne peccemus.
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Alma Virgo virginum, in celis coronata,
apud tuum filium sis nobis advocata,
et post hoc exilium occurrens mediata.
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We hurry towards death, let us desist from sin.
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I have resolved to write about the contempt of the world,
that the now living will not bide their time in vane things.
Now is the hour to rise from the evil sleep of death.
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Life is short, and shortly it will end;
death arrives faster than anyone fears.
Death annihilates all and has mercy with no-one.
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If you don’t convert and become pure as a child,
And change your live by doing better deeds,
you can not as a blessed one enter the kingdom of God.
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When the horn sounds the last day will be there,
And the Judge will appear, and He will forever call
home the chosen and the other ones to hell.
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How happy will those be, who will reign with Christ,
they will see Him face to face and
Holy, holy is the Lord Zebaoth, they will shout.
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And how miserable will the eternally damned be;
no escape from retribution, they will perish.
Woe, the wretched will never get out from there.
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All earthly kings, all mighty men of this world must change,
And the clerics and all powerful officials
have to become like children, renouncing vainglory.
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Alas, dearest brothers, let us so decently contemplate
the Lord’s Passion, and also bitterly weep and ask,
that He will guard the apple of His eye, that we sin no more.
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Nourishing virgin among virgins, crowned in heaven,
be our advocate with thy son,
and after this exile meet us halfway.
Novena to Our Lady of Pompeii.
April 29 - May 7
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O Blessed Rosary of Mary,
sweet chain which unites us to God,
bond of love which unites us to the angels,
tower of salvation against the assaults of Hell,
safe port in our universal shipwreck,
we will never abandon thee.
Thou wilt be our comfort in the hour of death:
thine our final kiss as life ebbs away.
And the last word from our lips will be thy sweet name,
O Queen of the Rosary of Pompeii,
O dearest Mother,
O Refuge of Sinners,
O Sovereign Consoler of the Afflicted.
May thou be everywhere blessed,
today and always,
on earth and in heaven.
Novena to St. Joseph 1 for the Solemnity of St. Joseph.
April 28 - May 6, 2025
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O glorious descendant of the kings of Judah, Inheritor of the virtues of all the Patriarchs, Just and happy St. Joseph, listen to my prayer. Thou art my glorious protector, and shall ever be, after Jesus and Mary, the object of my most profound veneration and confidence. Thou art the most hidden, though the greatest Saint, and art particularly the patron of those who serve God with purity and fervor. In union with all those who have ever been most devoted to thee, I now dedicate myself to thy service; beseeching thee, for the sake of Jesus Christ, Who vouchsafed to love and obey thee as a son, to become a father to me, and obtain a filial respect, confidence and love of a child towards thee.
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O powerful Advocate, whose intercession, as St. Teresa assures us, has never been found to fail, deign to intercede for me now and to implore for me the intentions of this novena:
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intentions.
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Present me, great Saint, to the adorable Trinity, with Whom thou had so glorious and so intimate a correspondence. Obtain that I may never efface by sin, the Sacred Image according to the likeness of which I was created. Beg for me that my Divine Redeemer would kindle in my heart and in all hearts the fire of His Love, and infuse therein the virtues of His adorable Infancy: His purity, simplicity, obedience and humility.
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Obtain for me likewise a lively devotion to thy Virgin Spouse, and protect me so powerfully in life and in death, that I may have the happiness of dying, as thou did, in the friendship of my Creator and under the immediate protection of the Mother of God.
Amen
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Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
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St. Joseph, pray for us.
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| April 27 Saint Zita (Cita, Sita, Citha, Sitha) Virgin.
(† 1278)
Patronage:
against losing keys
butlers
domestic servants (proclaimed by Pope Pius XII)
homemakers
housemaids
lost keys
maids
manservants
people ridiculed for their piety
rape victims
servants
servers
single laywomen
waiters
waitpersons
waitresses
Lucca, Italy
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Saint Zita for forty-eight years was employed in the service of a citizen of Lucca, Italy. During this time she rose each morning to hear Mass while all in the household were asleep, and then toiled incessantly until night came, doing the work of others as well as her own.
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Once Zita, absorbed in prayer, remained in church past the usual hour of her bread-making. She hastened home, reproaching herself with neglect of duty, but found the bread made and ready for the oven. She did not doubt that her mistress or one of her servants had kneaded it, and going to them, thanked them. They were astonished, for no human being had made the bread; Angels had made it during her prayer.
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For years her master and mistress treated her as a mere drudge, while her fellow-servants, resenting her diligence as a reproach to themselves, insulted and struck her. Saint Zita offered these sufferings with those of Christ her Lord, never changing the sweet tone of her voice or forgetting her gentle and quiet ways. At length her employer, seeing the success which attended her undertakings, gave her charge of his children and the household. She dreaded this dignity more than the worst humiliation, but scrupulously fulfilled her trust.
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By her holy economy her master's goods were multiplied, while the poor were fed at his door. Gradually her unfailing patience conquered the jealousy of her fellow-servants, and she became their advocate with their hot-tempered master, who dared not give way to his anger before Zita. In the end her prayer and toil sanctified the entire house, and drew down upon it the blessings of Heaven. She died in 1278, and at the moment of her death, a bright star appearing above the attic where she slept showed that she had gained eternal rest.
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Eternal Father, I wish to honor St. Zita, and I give Thee thanks for all the graces Thou hast bestowed upon her. I ask Thee to please increase grace in my soul through the merits of this saint, and I commit the end of my life to her by this special prayer, so that by virtue of Thy goodness and promise, St. Zita might be my advocate and provide whatever is needed at that hour. Amen. |
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| April 27 Our Lady of Montserrat, Spain: St. Ignatius of Loyola made an annual pilgrimage to Montserrat as have a million or more pilgrims every year in modern times.
718
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Blackened by candles that burned before the statue day and night this particular image dates back to at least the twelfth century. St. Ignatius of Loyola made an annual pilgrimage to Montserrat as have a million or more pilgrims every year in modern times.
The mountain named Montserrat rises 20 miles northwest of Barcelona, in the region of Catalonia, which takes it names from the Spanish, Catalan, for "sawn mountain" probably because its rock outgrowths seem to be the teeth of a saw from a distance. These most unusual lofty cone-shaped jags are almost perpendicular. The highest cone rises to a height of nearly 4,000 feet, while the circumference around the entire base of the mountain is measured at about 12 miles. The church which contains the miracle-working statue of the Madonna and Child sits about halfway up the mountain.
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According to tradition, the miraculous image was first known as La Jerosolimitana (the native of Jerusalem), since it is thought to have been carved there in the early days of the Church. The statue was eventually given to St. Etereo, Bishop of Barcelona, who brought it to Spain.
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In the seventh century, when Saracen infidels invaded Spain, the Christians of Barcelona heroically defended it for three years until defeat appeared imminent. Knowing that they could hold out no longer, they decided to take their treasured image of Our Lady to a secret, safe place. Quietly, with the knowledge of the Bishop and the Governor of the city, a group brought the statue to Montserrat, placing it in a small cave, April 22, 718. A complete account of the origin of the miraculous image, the cause of its removal and the place of its hidden security were recorded and in the archives of Barcelona.
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Even though the location of the statue was eventually forgotten, the people of Barcelona never forgot the holy image for almost 200 years. Then, in 890, shepherd boys from Monistrol, a village at the foot of Montserrat, were sent unbeknown to them to be the source of the discovery of the treasure:
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While tending their flocks that night the shepherds were surprised by lights and the sound of singing coming from the mountain. When this happened once again, they reported the situation to their priest, who looked into the matter. He, too, heard the singing and saw the mysterious lights, so he reported this to the Bishop, who also witnessed the same occurrences. At last the statue of Our Lady was discovered in the cave and brought out and placed in a small church that was soon built; this little church developed into the present church that was completed in 1592.
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In 888 there had already been a chapel dedicated to Our Lady and it was at that spot that the present shrine is located. Eventually a monastery was added, which grew rapidly, because of the miracles wrought there by the Blessed Virgin. According to the caretakers of the shrine, the statue that still presides over the monastery was introduced in the twelfth or thirteenth century. This statue might have replaced an earlier one, which could have been destroyed during one of the many wars:
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Carved in wood, the statue is in a sitting position and measures slightly over three feet in height. In Romanesque style, the figure is slender, with an elongated face and a delicate expression. The dress of the Virgin consists of a tunic and cloak both gilded and plain in design which is draped. Beneath the crown is a veil adorned with stars, squares, and stripes in subtle shades of color. The right hand of the Virgin holds a sphere, while the other is extended in a graceful gesture. The Child Jesus sits on His Mother's lap and also wears a crown and lovely garments. His right hand is raised in blessing; His left hand holds an object that resembles a large pine cone. A cushion serves as the Madonna's footrest; she is seated upon a chair that has large legs and whose back is topped by cone-shaped finials. The statue is highly revered not only as a religious treasure, but also because of its artistic value. It is almost completely gilded, save the face and hands of both Our Lady and the Child Jesus [and His feet also]. Unlike many old statues which are black because of the kind of wood or the effects of the original paint, the dark color of Our Lady of Montserrat is attributed to the innumerable candles and lamps used in its veneration. Because of this dark color it is affectionately called La Moreneta, The Dark Little One. Thus, the Virgin of Montserrat is classified among the Black Madonnas.
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The image is in an alcove behind the main altar. It can be reached by climbing decorated stairs to the side of the church. The stairs lead to a large room which is directly behind the alcove where the statue is enthroned. This large room is called the Camarin de La Virgen, the Chamber of the Virgin. A large number of people can fit in the space to pray beside the throne of the Blessed Mother. The pilgrim cannot touch the image, however, since it is protected by a glass.
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Although not located on the peak of the mountain as are the sanctuaries of Monte Cassino and Le Puy, the monastery is situated high enough from the surrounding area to make one think it safe from attack. Yet the monastery sustained considerable damage during the Napoleonic invasion. Additional harm was inflicted during civil wars and revolutionary disturbances. The treasured image of the Madonna and Child was hidden during these times, but was soon restored to its place of honor when the church and buildings were quickly repaired. These buildings were spared during the Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939 by the Autonomous Government of Catalonia.
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Benedictines settled in the monastery hundreds of years ago and still maintain the sanctuary and provide hospitality to the steady stream of pilgrims who go there. The number of historical figures connected to the sanctuary or who have visited it, including one of its hermits, Bernat Boil, who accompanied Christopher Columbus to the New World, thus becoming the first missionary to America. One of Montserrat's first abbots became Julius II, the Renaissance Pope for whom Michelangelo worked. Emperor Charles V and Philip II of Spain both died with blessed candles from the sanctuary in their hands. King Louis XIV of France had intercessory prayers said at Montserrat for the Queen Mother, and Emperor Ferdinand III of Austria made generous financial gifts to the monastery. All the kings of Spain prayed at the shrine.
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Some of the Saints who visited there were St. Peter Nolasco, St. Raymond of Penafort, St. Vincent Ferrer, St. Francis Borgia, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, St. Joseph Calasanctius, St. Anthony Mary Claret and St. Ignatius, who as a knight was confessed by one of the monks. After spending a night praying before the image of Our Lady of Montserrat, he began his new life and the founding of Jesuit order. A few miles away is Manresa, a pilgrim shrine of the Society of Jesus. The shrine holds the cave wherein St. Ignatius Loyola retired from the world and wrote his Spiritual Exercises.
The Virgin of Montserrat was declared the Patron Saint of the Diocese of Catalonia by Leo XIII. The statue has always been one of the most celebrated images in Spain.
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A historian wrote: "In all ages the sinful, the suffering, the sorrowful, have laid their woes at the feet of Our Lady of Montserrat, and none have ever gone away unheard or unaided." | | | | April 27 Virgen de Montserrat, Barcelona, Spain (12th cent.)
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According to legend, the first image of the Virgin of Montserrat was found by shepherd children in the year 880 . After seeing a light in the mountains, the children found the image of the Virgin in a cave. Upon hearing the news, the Bishop of Manresa attempted to move the image to the city, but the transfer was impossible because the statue was too heavy. The bishop took it as the desire of the Virgin of stay in place where you had found and ordered the construction of the chapel of St. Mary, origin of the present monastery. It is said that the black color of the face of the Virgin and Child is due to candles that were lit in her honor inside the cave where she was.
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The photograph is a Romanesque of the twelfth century in wood of poplar . It represents the Virgin with the child Jesus sitting on her lap and measures about 95 inches tall. In her right hand she holds a sphere symbolizing the universe; the Child has His right hand raised in blessing while the left hand holds a pineapple. The flesh tones are black, which has given the popular nickname of The Black Madonna. It belongs to the group of so-called Black Madonnas that spanned both the Romanesque Europe and whose meaning has led to multiple studies. Although in this case the color seems to be the result of the transformation of the varnish on her face and hands because of the passage of time.
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The Virgin of Montserrat was the first Marian image of Spain in receiving the Canonical Coronation in 1881 , followed by the Our Lady of Mercy in Barcelona ( 1886 ), the Virgen de la Candelaria in Tenerife , Canary Patron ( 1889 ), the Virgin Kings of Seville ( 1904 ) and Our Lady of Mercy of Reus ( 1904 ).
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In Spain there are other black virgins known by the name of "brown" like the Virgin of Guadalupe , the Virgen de la Cabeza ( Jaén ), the Virgin of Lluc ( Mallorca ), the Virgin of Candelaria ( Tenerife ) or Virgin Argeme ( Coria ) and Our Lady of Velia (Bimenes), Asturias. Maria Angela Grow from Maria Angela Catholic Devotional Unsubscribe |
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 | | | | Novena 2 for the Solemnity of St Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church.
April 28 - May 6, 2025
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V. In the Name ✠ of the Father... R. Amen..
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V. O glorious and powerful St. Joseph,
R. Thou art the faithful protector and intercessor of all
who love and venerate thee. * Thou knowest that I have
confidence in thee * and that, after Jesus (☨) and Mary,
* I come to thee as an example for holiness, * for thou
art especially close with God. * Therefore, I humbly
commend myself, with all who are dear to me and all
that belong to me, * to thy intercession. * I beg of thee,
by thy love for Jesus (☨) and Mary, * not to abandon me
during life * and to assist me at the hour of my death.
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V. O glorious St. Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin,
R. Pray for me * to have a pure, humble, charitable mind, *
and perfect resignation to the divine Will. * Be thou my guide, my father, and my model through life * that I may die as thou didst * in the arms of Jesus (☨) and Mary.
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V. O loving St. Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ (☨),
R. I raise my heart to thee * to implore thy powerful intercession in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus (☨) * all the graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare * particularly the grace of a happy death, * and the special graces I now implore:
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Your Intentions.
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V. O Guardian of the Word Incarnate,
R. We have confidence that thy prayers on our behalf *
will be graciously heard before the throne of God. Amen.
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The St. Joseph Memorare.
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V. Remember, O most pure Spouse of the ever Virgin Mary,
R. St. Joseph, my beloved patron, * that never has it been heard * that anyone invoked thy patronage * and sought thine aid without being comforted. * Inspired by this confidence, I
come to thee * and fervently commend myself to thee. * Ah, despise not my petition, dear Foster Father of our Redeemer, * but graciously accept it. * Amen.
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Then say the following seven times in honor of the seven sorrows and joys of St. Joseph
V. O Glorious St. Joseph! Through thy love for Jesus Christ (☨) and for the glory of His Name,
R. Hear our prayers and obtain our petitions.
V. Jesus (☨), Mary and Joseph, R. Assist us!
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V. In the Name ✠ of the Father... R. Amen. Novena to Saint Stanislaus Bishop of Cracow, Martyr. April 28 - May 6 . Thou wast powerful in word and work, O Stanislaus! and our Lord rewarded thee with a Martyr's crown. From thy throne of glory, cast a look of pity upon us; obtain for us from God that gift of fortitude, which was so prominent in thee, and which we so much need in order to surmount the obstacles which impede our progress. Our Risen Lord must have no cowards among His soldiers. The Kingdom, into which He is about to enter, He took it by assault; and He tells us plainly, that if we would follow Him thither, we must prepare to use violence (St. Matth. xi. 12). Brave soldier of the living God! get us brave hearts. . We need them for our combat, whether that be one of open violence for the Faith or Unity of the Church, or one which is to be fought with the invisible enemies of our salvation. Thou wast indeed a good shepherd, for the presence of the world neither made thee flee nor fear; ask our Heavenly Father to send us Shepherds like thee. Succor Holy Church, for she has to contend with enemies in every part of the world. Convert her persecutors, as thou convertedst Boleslaus; he was thy murderer, but thy Martyrdom won mercy for him. Remember thy dear Poland, which honours thee with such fervent devotion. Break the iron yoke that has so long crushed her. Yes, it is time for her to regain her rank among nations. During the severe trials, which her sins have drawn down upon her, she has maintained the sacred link of Catholic Faith and Unity; she has been patient and faithful; ask our Risen Jesus to have pity on her, and reward her patience and fidelity. May He mercifully grant her a share in His Resurrection; that day will be one of joy for the whole Christian world, and a new Canticle will be sung throughout the earth, to the Lord our God. Amen.Fråga doktorn – Underlivssmärtor | SVT Play |
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